The New Orleans Pelicans made a big front office shakeup after another disappointing season, firing executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin after six seasons with the club. Griffin, who won an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015-16 campaign, was never able to get the Pelicans fully back on track after the massive trade of Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Whoever ends up taking over in the front office for New Orleans will be in a similar position to Griffin’s six seasons ago. Once again, the Pelicans have a former No. 1 overall pick in Zion Williamson, but he hasn’t been able to lift the franchise to consistent success. The Pelicans have been plagued by injuries year in and year out, but it seems likely that whoever ends up in charge of basketball decisions may view this as a prime rebuilding situation.
If the Pelicans do opt for a roster reset, there will be no shortage of suitors for Williamson, even with his checkered injury history.
Williamson is under contract through the 2027-28 season, but the Pelicans may want to get out in front of any trade demands to maximize the return for their star big man while also clearing the path for a clean rebuild.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers should pursue Zion Williamson
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Why they would buy: If the Cavs stall out in the playoffs after an incredibly dominant regular season run, going all-in for a star like Zion could put them over the top in the East. Attracting free agents to Cleveland is always difficult, and Cleveland doesn’t project to have cap space anytime soon, either. Evan Mobley’s all-world defense would make this a perfect fit for Zion as well.
What they could offer: Draft picks, flippable contracts, and a fresh start. New Orleans would likely want to hold out for Darius Garland, which Cleveland would almost certainly balk at. But with enough picks and swaps, along with Jarrett Allen who could be flipped for more assets, the Cavs might have just barely enough to make it happen without sacrificing a core piece.
Why it would work: Evan Mobley and Zion Williamson could form a powerful frontcourt duo with enough versatility and athleticism to carry the team to a title alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Pelicans would also be able to tie Dejounte Murray in the deal, dumping one of the most difficult long-term contracts in the league and starting a true rebuild.
New Orleans gets: DeAndre Hunter, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, multiple future picks/swaps
Cleveland gets: Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Antonio Reeves
Cleveland has had success this year for valuing continuity, but the opportunity to take a big swing and land a talent like Zion Williamson might be too big to pass on.
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